These features are described in more detail in the following sections.

Windows Firewall integration

Windows Firewall can help prevent attackers or malicious software from gaining access to your PC. When you install Microsoft Security Essentials, the installation wizard verifies that Windows Firewall is turned on. If you have intentionally turned off Windows Firewall, you can avoid turning it on by clearing a check box. You can change your Windows Firewall settings at any time via the System and Security settings in Control Panel.

Network inspection system

When your PC connects to a network, it can become vulnerable if the network is vulnerable. Studies of network vulnerabilities show that it can take a month or longer from the time of an initial attack report before a suitable security update is developed, tested, and released. This gap in protection leaves too many PCs open to attack. The network inspection system works with real-time protection so that you’re protected hours after exploits are discovered—not weeks.

Award-winning protection engine

Under the hood of Microsoft Security Essentials is its award-winning protection engine that is updated regularly. The engine is backed by a team of antimalware researchers from the Microsoft Malware Protection Center, providing responses to the latest malware threats 24 hours a day.